Music sure seems to be getting awfully political of late. With Kanye West running for president and President Obama even dedicating some airtime to give some humorous POTUS advice, the lines are certainly blurring between music and politics.
It all seemed like fun and games, until T.I. tossed his opinion into the ring. Discussing the presidency with DJ Whoo Kid, he stated that he couldn’t endorse Hilary Clinton as president – because she’s a woman.
“Not to be sexist but, I can’t vote for the leader of the free world to be a woman,” he said. “Just because, every other position that exists, I think a woman could do well.”
“But the president? It’s kinda like, I just know that women make rash decisions emotionally – they make very permanent, cemented decisions – and then later, it’s kind of like it didn’t happen, or they didn’t mean for it to happen.”
“And I sure would hate to just set off a nuke. [Other leaders] will not be able to negotiate the right kinds of foreign policy; the world ain’t ready yet. I think you might be able to the Loch Ness Monster elected before you could [get a woman].”
Some kudos must be given to T.I. for the sheer amount of derogatory stereotypes he managed to jam into such a short space of dialogue. Plus extra points for beginning with “not to be sexist, but…”.
It hardly comes as a surprise that he then endorsed the equally sexist Donald Trump for his dedication to the economy, but fell short of committing to voting for him due to his racist remarks.
“But you know, his racist remarks and all of his off-color statements and all that s**t it makes it impossible to be completely supportive of him. But just knowing what he’s done for business for himself, if he intends to do that for America, it would be beneficial. But I can’t cash no vote for him.”
Social media was quick to weigh in:
https://twitter.com/lilyallen/status/653973596600201217
Dear T.I. please refrain from discussing politics, stick to rapping. You're good at that. #Hillary2016
— samantha ronson (@samantharonson) October 13, 2015
I can’t believe #TI won't vote for #HillaryClinton because she's a woman!! TERRIBLE! http://t.co/tpVhuJ8Gre pic.twitter.com/5XJ3A1E3v2
— Perez Hilton (@PerezHilton) October 13, 2015
T.I. later apologised for his remarks.
My comments about women running for president were unequivocally insensitive and wrong. I sincerely apologize to everyone I offended.
— T.I. (@Tip) October 13, 2015
Poor form T.I.